How to Survive as a Writer Part II

Or: We Don’t Do It For The Money.

From The Guardian (scroll down for this juicy snippet):

Forbes magazine has revealed that JK Rowling is not only the world’s richest author, but the world’s highest-earning celebrity; her income last year was £150m. But before aspiring scribes boot up their computers en masse, inspired by dreams of wealth and fame, it is worth remembering that becoming rich through writing is only slightly more likely than achieving an Olympic medal in Quidditch. According to the Society of Authors, the average salary for a writer in the UK is £10,000 – which should give anyone thinking of entering the field pause for thought.

Thank god there are other rewards. Like the creative satisfaction. The intellectual work-out. The joy of sharing your art with others. Right? Right. Right!

I think I just moved through the three stages of writerly grief there: Disbelief, resignation, defiance. Finally, acceptance. Write.

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2 Responses to How to Survive as a Writer Part II

  1. Fawn says:

    Absolutely. Write. Make millions. Then billions. Share with friends.

  2. nancyrawlinson says:

    I think we are still waiting for the world’s first billionaire writer — but I like the advice anyway, and the possibility of it. Listen up, people — this is coming from a woman who knows! Check out Fawn at her fabulous website.

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